Singer 514 Sewing Machine Manual

The Singer 514 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and quilting, and built-in LED light. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Accessories 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with built-in stitches, Free arm, Bobbin system, Stitch selection dial, Tension control, Presser foot pressure adjustment.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	Multiple stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative
Free arm	For sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Drop feed	For darning, quilting, and free-motion sewing
Built-in buttonholer	One-step automatic buttonhole
Stitch length control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjustable from 0-5mm
Tension control	Dial for perfect stitch formation
Built-in LED light	Illuminates sewing area
Reverse stitch	For reinforcing seams
Power switch	Turns machine on/off

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
Position machine: Place on sturdy, level surface with adequate lighting.
Connect foot control: Plug into machine's foot control port.
Plug into AC power: Connect power cord to wall outlet.
Install accessories: Attach standard presser foot and needle.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on machine; follow initial setup procedures.

Thread machine: Follow threading diagram from spool to needle.
Wind bobbin: Use built-in bobbin winder with matching thread.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in bobbin case following directional arrows.
Test stitches: Use scrap fabric to test various stitch patterns.
Adjust tension: Test on fabric scrap and adjust as needed.

CAUTION! Ensure stable surface; keep fingers away from needle during operation.

Specifications

Machine Type: Mechanical sewing machine
Stitch Patterns: Multiple built-in stitches
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5mm
Buttonhole: One-step automatic
Free Arm: Yes, for tubular sewing
Feed System: Drop feed with pressure adjustment
Lighting: Built-in LED
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Speed Control: Foot pedal controlled

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front panel dials and switches. Front Panel: Stitch pattern selector, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch button, Tension control.

Additional Controls: Power switch, Bobbin winder, Presser foot lever, Hand wheel.

Stitch Selection: Turn pattern dial to desired stitch. Length Control: Adjust from 0-4mm for stitch density. Width Control: Adjust from 0-5mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust dial for balanced stitches (normal setting 4-5). Reverse: Hold button for backstitching.

Connecting Accessories

Standard accessories: Various presser feet, Bobbins, Needles, Seam ripper, Brush, Screwdriver.

Turn off machine before changing accessories.
Install presser feet: Lift lever, snap foot into place.
Change needles: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert new needle with flat side to back.
Attach specialty feet: Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot as needed.

Tip: Ensure machine is off and unplugged before changing needles or feet.

Basic Sewing Operations

Supports various fabrics and sewing techniques.

Straight stitching: Select straight stitch pattern, adjust length as needed.
Zigzag stitching: Select zigzag pattern, adjust width for desired effect.
Buttonholes: Use one-step buttonhole foot for perfect buttonholes.
Reverse stitching: Hold reverse button to secure seam ends.
Free arm sewing: Remove accessory tray for sewing sleeves and cuffs.
Drop feed: Lower feed dogs for darning and quilting.
Decorative stitches: Select pattern dial for decorative embroidery effects.
Gathering: Use longer stitch length with tight upper tension.

WARNING! Do not pull fabric; let feed dogs move material. Keep fingers away from needle.

Maintenance Features

Built-in maintenance: Bobbin winding system, Easy needle replacement, Accessible oiling points, Removable throat plate for cleaning.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Remove lint and dust with brush provided. Oil moving parts as directed in maintenance section.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for electrical safety in household use. Copyright © 2025 Singer Manufacturing Company; trademarks of Singer Licensing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection/foot control	Check power cord; ensure foot control is plugged in properly.
Thread breaking	Tension/needle issues	Rethread machine; check needle for damage; adjust tension.
Uneven stitches	Tension/threading	Rethread both upper and lower threads; adjust tension dial.
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove throat plate; clean lint and tangled thread.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace with correct needle type; ensure needle is straight.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; check presser foot pressure.
Poor buttonholes	Stabilizer/thread tension	Use stabilizer; adjust tension; ensure proper foot attachment.

Reset: Turn machine off and unplug for 30 seconds if electronic issues occur.

Service: 1-800-4-SINGER; www.singer.com